Plans to add a loft conversion to Victoria Park's lodge have been submitted - just nine days after proposals to demolish the building were refused.

An application for a loft conversion at Finchley's Victoria Park Lodge was submitted to Barnet Council on September 9.

This new application is in place, just eight days after plans to demolish the lodge and replace it with for eight block of flats in a three storey building, were rejected

The Times previously reported that fighting a group of neighbours fighting the plans were delighted at the results, but weary that more applications would be submitted.

Campaigner Mary O'Connor said: "I'm not sure how they can do a 'loft conversion' as the upstairs room is up to the roof, so no loft space over most of the building, hence the original dormer windows.

"If there is any loft space it would hardly be any and not sure that they would be allowed to change the roofline for the front of the house."

Fabien Gaudin, the Planning Performance and Business Development Manager for Barnet Council, rejected the plans on September 1.

The reasons ranged from the size, scale and massing of the proposed building and reported it would be "out of keeping with the character and appearance of the area."

During a policy and resources meeting on September 1, West Finchley Cllr Ross Houston submitted a member's item.

Cllr Houston said that Labour councillors voted against the sale, as the proposed eight flats in place of the lodge would not come under the "affordable housing".

Cllr Houston said he had concerns whether or not the sale and future plans "represent value for money for both the Victoria Park Charitable Trust and the council tax payer".

He asked: "The Lodge was sold for £623,000 - could policy and resources committee, be provided with whatever valuations the council has for the Lodge?

"Of the £623,000 purchase price, how much is to be deducted for legal fees, the cost of a Project Manager for the park, and the creation of a car park?"

The answers to Cllr Houston’s questions revealed that green spaces would pay £9,345 plus VAT for the agents fees due from the proceeds of sale. The remainder will potentially fund a Project Manager to develop and implement a master plan for the park.

This plan could include a children’s play area, tennis court refurbishment and a multi-use games area.

What do you think of the loft conversion plans?

Let us know by sending an email to bethan.marsh@london.newsquest.co.uk